2 arrests made in Aliamanu fireworks blast; HPD anticipates more

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Police arrested two people in connection with the deadly New Year’s fireworks explosion in Aliamanu.

A man and woman, both 33 years old, were taken into custody Friday afternoon and booked for reckless endangering, endangering the welfare of a minor, and multiple fireworks offenses.

Arrests logs identified them as Mateo Ruben, and Jewel Ann Quines Cabras.

Police say at the gathering, Ruben Mateo and Jewel Cabras ignited illegal fireworks and allowed their three children, ages 15, 10, and 1, to ignite illegal fireworks. Police say the youngest child was injured during the explosion and taken to a hospital for treatment before being released.

Attorney Megan Kau, who is not connected to the case, suspects the pair might not have been the ones to light the fireworks that killed four people, and badly injured more than 20.

“It is my understanding that the investigation is ongoing, and so they are probably looking at other suspects to identify the people that actually lit the fireworks,” Kau said.

The Honolulu Police Department says more arrests are expected.

Since the investigation began, police say they’ve tracked down 20 witnesses, and reviewed many hours of surveillance video.

More than three weeks since the tragedy, the home along Keaka Drive remains boarded up with buckets of flowers and candles outside of the garage where it happened.

“Sorrow and a heavy heart. We have toddlers the same age as the child that has passed, and I cannot imagine … how hard (it’s been) for this family at the beginning of this year,” Bruna Smith said.

Smith and Ketsana Phitsamay live across the street. They left the area before midnight, but did recall seeing a box truck pull up to the home. They say party-goers began unloading what appeared to be a large stash of illegal fireworks.

“I’m very sorry. We were lucky and blessed to not be here because perhaps I would be running and playing with the little boy. So my heart goes out to the parents,” Smith said.

Some of the victims remain in Arizona at a burn center for treatment with long-term injuries. At last check, they were still in medically induced comas.

“If we’re gonna start actually investigating fireworks cases, we have to rely on this possession statue because it’s very easy to prove possession either you know the fireworks were there or they weren’t,” Kau said.

The tragedy shook the neighborhood and a sense of heartbreak and disbelief lingers, according to residents. When asked what punishment she sees fit for those responsible, Smith said, “Is there any more pain that this family should take?”

She understands if fines will be imposed, but hopes others will show compassion, and that it will lead to safer, more responsible celebrations in the future.

“I think compassion is something we can practice and pure aloha is something we should have in their hearts,” Smith said.

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